By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, has not endorsed any candidate for the 2027 governorship election, contrary to reports circulating in parts of the media, his spokesperson has clarified.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, explained that the governor merely received a delegation led by Engr. Mustapha Gubio, who recently obtained nomination and expression of interest forms to contest under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Iliya noted that the governor’s reception of aspirants is in line with established democratic norms, describing it as a routine engagement where leaders offer goodwill, prayers, and encouragement to party members seeking elective positions.
He stressed that while Gubio, a former Commissioner for Works and Housing, was among the first aspirants to present his forms, the governor has not made any pronouncement endorsing him or any other individual as a successor.
The statement further disclosed that Governor Zulum also received other aspirants, including Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who is seeking re-election to the Borno North Senatorial seat, and Bukar Talba, a member of the House of Representatives representing Monguno/Nganzai/Marte Federal Constituency.
Describing the governor as a committed democrat, Iliya said Zulum remains focused on promoting inclusivity and fairness within the party’s internal processes.
He added that during a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 25 at the Government House, the governor announced plans to convene a follow-up meeting where party candidates would be formally presented.
